Space Shuttle Launches

[Befferk]

We are going in Feb '08 and I see a tentative launch on 2/14 (I know, they get cancelled a lot). But looking at the schedule, are the times correct? I see that most of the ones listed for that far out all say 12PM. Is that because they don't have the time determined yet, or is that when they usually launch? I ask because we are hoping for a Pirate & Princess Party that day at MK (nothing official yet, other than a 7PM closing day ) but I wanted to check on the possible launch time to see if it would interfere.

Thanks,
Beth

 

[Ted and Holly]

I am willing to bet that the times are going to change. They usually launch at odd times, probably depending on what they'll be doing. If they are going to meet up with the ISS, they'll need to calculate launch carefully. Keep an eye on the schedule.

 

[Befferk]

Thanks, I thought it was odd that they were all listed for 12PM. I hope it works out to be earlier in the day, as I don't want to have to choose between a (possible) P&P Party and seeing the launch

Beth

 

[marlynnp]

We are wanting to do both also. My husband I were talking about it and then figured that the launch would be scheduled during daylight hours so it wouldn't be very late ~ gets dark by 6 something at that time of year.
So we are planning that we will have a long day but get to do both. We want to go to KSC regardless, so if the launch date is moved, we probably will plan to go another day.

 

[Ted and Holly]

I would not discount a night launch. Just keep an eye on the web site.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Are you planning to go to Kennedy Space Center for the launch, or just view it from WDW? I've been told it may take up to three hours to get back to WDW from Kennedy Space Center on launch days.

We're hoping to get to Kennedy Space Center for the December Atlantis launch.

 

[Befferk]

Are you planning to go to Kennedy Space Center for the launch, or just view it from WDW? I've been told it may take up to three hours to get back to WDW from Kennedy Space Center on launch days.

We're hoping to get to Kennedy Space Center for the December Atlantis launch.

I thought about it, but have heard that so many times the launches get cancelled, and I don't want to be out the money. My DH & DS actually don't have enough interest in visiting KSC, so we planned on going to Titusville to watch the launch. I will have to keep an eye on the time and hope for the best. I think we would probably choose the P&PP over the launch if push comes to shove. My son isn't old enough to appreciate viewing the launch, so he would enjoy P&PP more.

Beth

 

[BPCooper]

Well, never mind the chances of it sticking for just a minute. You may get lucky.

You have pointed out something I have told the folks at kennedyspacecenter.com to stop doing. First, let me say, that that website is not NASA's website. It is the website of the company that runs the tours and visitors center.

Yes, they do put 12 noon for everything they don't know the time of, which I have informed them is the wrong thing to do. Obviously they should just put TBD. My gut feeling says it is a marketing thing to get people to come that day.

BUT, coincidentally in this case, it does so happen that the STS-123 shuttle mission currently slated for Feb. 14 is around noon EST. No, it won't be noon exactly, but by the time all is set and done it will be on a precise minute and second that falls roughly between 11am and 1pm. The orbit of the international space station determines the time the shuttle launches to it, and the orbit fluctuates a little as time progresses. As of a couple of months ago, next Feb. 14 showed right around 12:00 EST for that specific day. And, to note, the launch time changes every day, getting approx. 23 to 25 minutes earlier each subsequent day.

This is the website you should bookmark to follow launch dates:

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking

And then, to point out, this is the official NASA site (but, it only lists NASA launches not all of them; thus the first site is better):

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

I hope you get to see one; if not that one, then I hope a launch currently slated prior to that slips to the time you'll be there

Good luck. You can get viewing information on my website:
http://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Information.html

 

[fla4fun]

I would wait until the current shuttle gets back before making any plans for future launches. I am really hoping they get back with no trouble, but if there is the least problem with the ship when it returns, and it has to go for extensive repairs, that could mess up their schedule. Also, if there is sufficient damage that they start reconsidering the foam on the fuel tank again, they could delay later launches. Let's get this one back on the ground safely and see what happens.

 

[safetymom]

It looks like they may be delaying any future launches until Spring of next year.

 

[Befferk]

It looks like they may be delaying any future launches until Spring of next year.

Just curious, do you happen to know why?

Beth

 

[safetymom]

I am trying to find a link where they discussed this on the news this morning. www.wftv.com

Basically they are looking at changing the braces that are surrounded by foam to a stronger metal. Then they would have to use as much foam. If they do this they the shuttles wouldn't launch until next year.

 

[BPCooper]

NASA stated yesterday they do not currently plan to delay the upcoming launches to fix the latest foam blunder. While things can change, and they are investigating the foam situation in the area that lost foam on launch August 8, they are still looking to launch two more flights this year.

 

[safetymom]

That is not what they were saying today.

 

[marenian]

BPCooper, thanks for the link. I see there will be a Dawn rocket launch when we will be there in Sept. Does anyone know if these are visible from Orlando? Or are just the shuttle launches visible?

I wish there was a shuttle launch when we were there. DS2 loves rockets (thank you Little Einsteins!) and I bet he would love to see that. Takes after his daddy, I guess.

 

[BPCooper]

All the launches are visible from Orlando if is clear. If you can, it is well worth it to come over and see them up close. In fact, after the shuttle, the Delta 2 (the rocket launching Dawn) is the best to see in person. If you do, I have directions to the viewing pier which is the best place to watch (Jetty Park pier).